BALTIMORE—Ravens safety Ed Reed is still not happy about how the NFL legislates helmet-to-helmet hits, fines and suspensions.

Reed won a recent appeal of a one-game suspension for repeated helmet-to-helmet hits. Instead of being docked a game’s pay, Reed’s penalty was reduced to a $50,000 fine. But Reed said he was still upset about being portrayed as a headhunter.

“It’s an ongoing process, of them trying to protect us, protect the game,” Reed said in the locker room following Sunday’s loss to the Steelers. “But I never played the game like that in 11 years, to go out and just hurt people. I felt like that’s what they were trying to do.

“After 11 years, now I’m dirty? That hurt me. For one, my kid is going to grow up and see that. My parents look at that, and like, 'OK, is this my son for real?’ I’m not out there trying to hurt these guys. This is a brotherhood. Sometimes things happen. Guys get hurt. It’s football.

“All of a sudden, the NFL is about to be sued, for all the stuff that they haven’t protected over the years, and they haven’t done. Now they want to take it out on us? Take it out on yourself. It’s easy for them to do the things they’re doing, fining us and make us look bad."

Reed said the league’s desire for offensive fireworks has made it tougher for defensive players.

“They want more points,” Reed said. “That’s going to attract fans.”

Reed also said having games every Thursday night goes against the league’s stated stance of emphasizing player safety.

“If they were really so concerned about the violence and the injuries, players getting hurt, answer this question for me: Why is there Thursday night football? (The Ravens) played three games in 17 days.”

Reed had his punishment reduced. But when it comes to expressing his feelings, he is still determined to get his money’s worth.